Where Innovation Meets Impact: USABC Hosts US-ASEAN Innovation Gala in Conjunction with COSTI-87 and Related Meetings
JAKARTA, 17 June 2025 – The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC)-ASEAN Innovation Gala Dinner in conjunction with the 87th Meeting of Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-87) and Related Meetings event took place on 17 June, marking a continuation of USABC and ASEAN COSTI Collaboration.
The USABC, in partnership with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) as the Chair of COSTI, co-hosted the USABC-ASEAN innovation Gala Dinner on 17 June, providing a platform for discussion of research and development within the region’s innovation ecosystem, particularly in supporting ASEAN’s agenda of sustainability, digitalisation, and economic growth. The event was attended by senior officials from ASEAN COSTI, Permanent Missions to ASEAN, relevant ministries, the ASEAN Secretariat and private sector leaders including the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, foreign chambers of commerce and others.
The event was opened with remarks from Angga Antagia, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and ASEAN, USABC. He expressed the importance of this event to drive innovation and help support a more inclusive and sustainable ASEAN. Chargé d’Affaires Kate Rebholz of the U.S. Mission to ASEAN also delivered remarks by underlining U.S.’ commitment, as ASEAN’s partner, in supporting the region’s opportunities, through cutting edge technologies.
USABC members Apple and Lubrizol showcased their innovation and impactful work across the region. Apple highlighted the success of the Apple Developer Academy in fostering digital talent across Southeast Asia, and Lubrizol shared its advances in sustainable materials and eco-friendly packaging. Afterwards, keynote speaker Dr. James Andrade, Senior Advisor to ASEAN from USABC reflected on the region’s progress over the past decade and how collaboration could establish ASEAN as a global innovation leader.
As the event concluded, Dr. Ir. Boediastoeti Ontowirjo, M.B.A as ASEAN COSTI Chair in her closing remarks emphasised the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) across the region and noting ASEAN’s immense potential.
The USABC-ASEAN Innovation Gala Dinner in Conjunction with COSTI-87 and Related Meetings demonstrates the commitment toward advancing innovation in the region. The workshop facilitated fruitful discussions among participants on innovation in line with the key priorities of ASEAN, such as digitalisation and sustainability.